September Moon (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #8)

“I knew I couldn’t trust you. You should be helping me to the car not taking advantage of my injury.” I focused on keeping my energy calm. Reacting to him was not an option, but hot damn was the touch of his tongue ever sensual.

“I won’t do it without permission,” Jenner spoke against my skin. “But I am asking.”

Even as his words said one thing, his touch conveyed another. It was manipulative, enthralling, so much like what Arys and I commanded, only with a different flavor. I shuddered against the pull. This manipulative power was both my strength and my weakness. As they say, power doesn’t come without a price.

“No,” I managed to say though my voice wavered. “I’m telling you no. So stop the hypnotic incubus shit right now.”

“Nice to know I haven’t lost my touch,” he said with a devious laugh. “If I can get under your skin, I must be doing something right.”

To Jenner’s credit, he did pull away from the pulse beating in my wrist. Though much like his brother, he was reluctant to so readily accept defeat. Catching me completely off guard, he sucked my bloody pinky finger into his mouth.

My breath caught, and I watched with wide-eyed wonder as he gently sucked the blood from my flesh. I trembled as the power swirled around us, capturing us in the eye of the growing tornado. I would never stop being amazed by what the vampires in our bloodline could do. It took great effort to pull my hand away.

“I apologize, my queen,” he said emphasizing the word “queen” as if it were an inside joke we shared. “You ordered me to touch you once. I can’t help but recall that night and feel cheated that I never got to fulfill that command.”

“Yeah, well I’m not as much of a bed hopping vamp as you are. I prefer to sleep only with those I love. Besides, Arys would kick your ass.” I shoved him away and limped for the exit.

Something stopped me in my tracks, and it wasn’t Jenner this time. My senses burned. There were other vampires near.

“Not yet you aren’t. Give it a few more decades,” he quipped. “You’re right though. Arys is not the forgiving type when it comes to you.”

“Do you feel that?” I asked, slapping his arm to get his attention.

Jenner grew quiet, and I felt it when he reached out to appraise our environment. “I don’t think we’re alone here anymore.”

“Vampires,” I breathed. “A lot of them.”

“These aren’t friends of yours I take it?”

“Sneaking up on me while I’m conveniently trapped in a warehouse? Not likely.” I didn’t doubt this had something to do with the rebel vampires Kale had dealt with. This must be their answer to the open message I’d issued.

Jenner took the lead, hesitating for a moment at the door. “Let’s try to get to the car. If we don’t make it, we fight.”

“Right.” I nodded, but my stomach turned. A fair fight I could handle. A gang beating was nobody’s friend. I’d only survived the last one because of Willow.

I followed Jenner outside, my hand ready on the hilt of the Dragon Claw. At first the warehouse yard appeared empty. Looks were deceiving. They were close. I could feel them.

One by one they emerged from the darkness. I stopped counting at twenty. At least a dozen stood between us and the car. And really, fleeing would only encourage their behavior. It would do nothing to enforce the role I claimed.

A shock of pain stabbed through my leg. They would smell the bite and know I was injured. We would definitely have to fight.

Jenner and I stood back to back, watching the circle of vampires form around us. We were surrounded.

Chapter Eighteen

None of the vampires were well known to me. I found some relief in that. It promptly died when I saw that they had Owen. He hung between two of them, having been beaten into submission.

Blood trickled from his nose and mouth. Still, he glared fiercely at the two holding him. Admirable. I couldn’t help but worry that Dayne would blame me for this. I could not let Owen die here tonight.

I expected one of them to act as ringleader, maybe toss out some lame movie bad guy lines. Jenner didn’t give them a chance. He immediately went on the offensive, hurling shot after shot at the ring surrounding us. His aim was true and deadly. Two of the vamps he hit exploded in a cloud of dust.

That was all it took. The fight was on. Those with power of any kind were quick to use it while others came forward ready to rip us limb from limb.

Having no other choice, I followed Jenner’s lead. The nearest vamp baring fangs at me took a blast to the face. It maimed but did not kill.

“Focus your intent,” Jenner hissed as he fended off three at a time. “Kill them in your mind. No mercy.”

My concentration was scattered as I sought to watch all of them at once. It was impossible. They came too fast. I was overwhelmed. The pain shooting through my ankle didn’t help.